A story’s theme is an underlying message that is
communicated (sometimes it could be a moral) in story, poem, novel, or
play. That said, let’s look at the
options provided to help you in the
future determine what may and may not be considered theme.
SOMETIMES SEEMINGLY BAD PEOPLE WILL SURPRISE YOU BY RISING
TO THE OCCASION. Does this seem like a
message to readers? Yes, thus, this
could be considered a theme.
THIS CHARACTER IS SHY, YET UNFAILINGLY BOLD. Does this seem like a message to readers? No, this seems more like a character
description. Thus, this would not be
considered a theme.
THIS EPIC POEM TAKES PLACE IN ANCIENT GREECE. Does this seem like a message to readers? No, this seems to be describing the
setting. Thus, this would not be
considered a theme.
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE FOR HEARTBREAK<span>. </span>Does
this seem like a message readers? Yes,
thus, this could be considered a theme.
DIFFERENT INTERPRETATIONS OF THE PLAY RESULT IN THE ACTION
BEING SET AT VARYING TIME PERIODS. Does
this seem like a message to readers? No,
this seems more like analysis or criticism.
Thus, this would not be considered a theme.
BELIEF IN NOTHING IS ALSO A KIND OF FAITH. Does this seem like a message to
readers? Yes, thus, this could be
considered a theme.
SUPERMAN AND BATMAN AREN’T SURE WHAT TO THINK OF ONE ANOTHER
AT FIRST. Does this seem like a message
to readers? No, this seems more like a
description of a portion of plot. Thus,
this would not be considered a theme.
THE SEQUEL WILL BE ABOUT SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT. Does this seem like a message to
readers? While this kind of does seem
like a message to readers, it appear s to be a prediction for the plot of an
ensuing piece of literature, not a message that can be construed based upon the
content of a current text. Thus, this
would not be considered a theme.
